University of Edinburgh biotechnology spinout Kynos Therapeutics has been acquired by Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH, which will continue development of Kynos’ lead drug candidate for the treatment of acute pancreatitis. Kynos Therapeutics was spun out of the University’s Institute for Regeneration and Repair and Centre for Cardiovascular Science in 2022 by co-founders Professors Damian Mole and Scott Webster, together with founding investor Epidarex Capital, a leading early-stage transatlantic venture fund. The company has been backed by investment from Epidarex Capital, IP Group and Scottish Enterprise and led by CEO Jonathan Savidge since 2022.Since its foundation, Kynos Therapeutics has progressed development of its lead molecule, KNS366, a highly potent and selective first-in-class inhibitor of the enzyme kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO). KMO plays a major role in the regulation of inflammation, acting at the interface between inflammation, immunity and metabolism. Inhibition of KMO has therapeutic potential in both acute inflammatory conditions such as kidney injury and pancreatitis, and in chronic immuno inflammatory disorders. In a Phase I trial, KNS366 was shown to be safe and well-tolerated, and led to a dose-dependent inhibition of the enzyme KMO and modulation of its downstream metabolites. Dr Falk Pharma, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, will add KNS366 to its R&D pipeline and will explore the potential of KNS366 in future clinical trials, initially focusing on acute pancreatitis. This new asset will enhance Dr. Falk Pharma’s expansion into rare digestive and metabolic diseases and conditions. This is a momentous milestone for us on our scientific and clinical translational journey to develop KMO inhibitors as a new and useful treatment for patients with diseases caused by inflammation. We are delighted to have now found a partner with the expertise, capacity and commitment to further develop KMO inhibitors, initially for acute pancreatitis, which is an area of immense unmet need. Professor Damian Mole 1777 Professor of Surgery, University of Edinburgh This partnership is a fantastic testament to the University’s innovation ecosystem, which has nurtured Kynos and its KMO inhibitors through discovery and development to this new stage of acceleration, which will bring their invention further and faster to patients. Dr Catherine Martin Vice-Principal, Corporate Services, University of Edinburgh The journey from lab to clinic is long and arduous and, to see these inflammation inhibitors are now much further along that path and on a trajectory to improve lives, is what we at Edinburgh Innovations are all about. We are delighted for the founders, and for the University, which will see a return of funds managed by Old College Capital, our in-house venture investment team, continuing to support the most exciting ideas and technologies emerging from the University. Dr Susan Bodie Head of Business Development, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Edinburgh Innovations, University of Edinburgh Publication date 29 Oct, 2024
